College district puts bond measure on ballot

Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District trustees voted unanimously Tuesday to place a $398 million bond measure on the Nov. 6 ballot.

The bond measure is expected to address needs on the district’s two campuses, including expanded career training facilities, military veterans centers and the updating of classrooms, infrastructure and technology systems.

Built 50 years ago, Grossmont has classrooms and other buildings that lack technological upgrades and are in need of repair, said Bill Garrett, governing board president. Cuyamaca, which opened in 1978, has roads, mechanical systems and fixtures that are in need of fixes.

“We are not setting out to try to put something forward just because we can,” Chancellor Cindy Miles said. “It’s so important to share with our students, with our administration, with our community, that we would always be returning to needs first. ... This is not just about buildings – it’s about education. It’s the educational needs that drive these facilities plans.”

To pass, the measure would require support from at least 55 percent of voters. If approved, an East County homeowner would typically be assessed about $40 more each year.

“We have strong local support,” Miles said. She then added: “Taxes are not a popular topic with anyone.”

Grossmont College President Sunny Cooke said she has been talking with voters in the East County and said she has received positive feedback, but noted there was a general concern that asking voters to approve a bond measure in a tight economy might pose a challenge.

“The love for the colleges, that was evident, support for what we’ve done, what we are doing... but the question was is this the right moment in time? That can be said for any bond,” Cooke said.

There was also concern about voter opinion that echoes students’ concerns about budget cuts on the state level that have translated to classes being axed.

“If the bond passes, that money will free up some of our general fund money to help students in other ways,” trustee Mary Kay Rosinski said.

Bonnie Moss, a consultant working with the district on the bond measure, said analysis and surveys gauging public support show that East County voters hold the colleges in high regard, and that a high number of voters are expected to turn out in November.

Ten years ago, East County voters approved Proposition R, a $207 million bond that, with state bond money, enabled the colleges to construct new and refurbished facilities that have transformed the Grossmont and Cuyamaca campuses.

The bond program was held up as a state model with its series of unblemished audits and careful monitoring by a citizens oversight committee. The new bond measure would also require the creation of a citizens oversight committee to review finances.

“What’s important to understand that Proposition R just got us started,” Garrett said after the meeting. “Let’s take that next step. We still have a lot of work to do with renovating old buildings and improving the technology infrastructure. In our analysis, even this bond measure won’t complete the work that needs to be done, but it will sure move us forward.”